The Power of Coaches in Ministry: A Personal Journey
Big Idea:
Whatever aspect of ministry you need guidance in, don't hesitate to seek the support of a coach.
For over two decades, I've been devoted to serving Christ within the local church. Along this incredible journey, I've discovered that having the right support and guidance is essential. I want to share my personal experiences and invite you to consider the tremendous impact that coaches can have in your ministry.
The Foundation of Knowledge
My theological education has played a pivotal role in equipping me to study and understand the truth. It has empowered me to communicate God's word in a practical and relatable manner to the congregations I've served. Education lays the foundation, but it's not the only building block.
The Power of Community
Having a community of fellow pastors around me has been a source of immense strength. This brotherhood provides encouragement, meaningful conversations, and accountability. It allows me to break out of the ministry silo and gain fresh perspectives.
Inviting Coaches into My Life
The step that has made a tremendous transformative impact is that of inviting coaches into my life. Over the years, I've had the privilege of working with different coaches, each specializing in a specific area. Some were formal coaching relationships, while others were fellow pastors who generously invested their time to help me grow.
Coaches as Game-Changers
Here's how coaches, whether formal or informal, have revolutionized my ministry, drawing parallels to Jethro's interaction with Moses in Exodus 18:
1. Coaches Provide an Outside Perspective
In a world that often encourages isolation, coaches offer an external viewpoint. Like Jethro’s counsel to Moses, counsel from coaches can challenge us to consider new approaches, ask probing questions, and stretch our thinking. For instance, my preaching coach pushed me to teach narrative passages in a more narrative manner, aligning my presentation with the genre of the Scripture.
2. Coaches Help Manage Emotions
Ministry can be emotionally charged. Coaches or trusted friends with an outside perspective help us navigate difficult decisions without being driven solely by our emotions. During a challenging period in my church, my revitalization coach guided me to make wise decisions instead of reacting impulsively based on emotions. Moses, too, was emotionally invested in the Israelites and needed Jethro's guidance to detach emotionally.
3. Coaches Aid in Articulating Problems and Solutions
Leading a congregation requires clarity in identifying problems and solutions. Talking through these issues with a coach compels us to articulate them clearly to an outsider, ensuring that our congregation can understand. Moses, exhausted and overwhelmed, received help from Jethro in identifying a problem and proposing a solution.
4. Coaches Provide Accountability
Each of my coaches indirectly held me accountable. I had to submit my messages and progress reports to them regularly, which kept me on track. Jethro's advice to Moses about involving others was a form of accountability and leadership development.
5. Coaches Offer New Perspectives
Coaches often introduce alternative methods and resources that may not have been apparent within our context. Like Jethro's suggestion to train other leaders, coaches can provide fresh approaches to our ministry challenges.
6. Coaches Become Cheerleaders
One of the unexpected blessings of having coaches was their unwavering support. They cheered me on, celebrated my successes, and stood by me during the toughest transitions in my ministry. Jethro's relationship with Moses reflects this, as they rejoiced together over God's work.
Your Journey with Coaches
As I reflect on my journey, I encourage every servant of Christ to, at the right times, invite godly individuals into your life to help you grow in specific areas. Coaches have the potential to transform your ministry, just as they have transformed mine. Whether you need guidance in preaching, revitalizing a church, writing, or any other aspect of ministry, don't hesitate to seek the support of a coach.
If you're interested in exploring how coaching can benefit your ministry, I'm here to help. Feel free to reach out to me for a conversation. Together, we can embark on a journey of growth, learning, and impactful ministry that brings glory to God.
Remember, just as Jethro guided Moses to become a better leader, coaches can guide you to become a more effective servant of Christ. Embrace the power of coaching and watch your ministry thrive.
